Search - Shahin & Sepehr :: East / West Highway: The Best of Shahin & Sepehr

While their names may seem indicative of something exotic and unfamiliar, the music of Shahin Shahida (acoustic and Spanish guitars) and Sepehr Haddad (guitars and keyboards) is smooth, easy-listening material designed to rest comfortably on Western ears. The Iranian duo's lively sound revolves around Shahin's graceful, flamenco-tinged guitar textures, unobtrusively embellished by Sepehr's keys and the same low-key, groove-based rhythmic underpinnings that propel the music of 3rd Force. (William Aura and 3rd Force are routinely involved in the production of Shahin & Sepehr's music.) East/West Highway is a best-of compilation that samples the duo's first four recordings (while also tossing in two new tracks), and it presents a decent showcase of the musicians' strengths and a minor weakness. On the plus side, the pair's sound is handsome, intelligent, and refreshing, with just enough rhythmic and ethnic spice to produce a stylish, feel-good atmosphere. The down side: Many pieces sound so similar it's difficult to distinguish one composition from the other. Fortunately, for listeners with a taste for smooth, Spanish-flavored music (with occasional Arabic and samba flourishes; "Jakarta" and "Midnight at the Basilica" are winning examples), they all sound pretty good. Pop the CD in your changer with a few other discs, hit shuffle, and you'll likely enjoy the results. --Terry Wood